Animal Welfare and Husbandry | Ocean Park Corporation

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Ocean Park Hong Kong advocates that modern zoos and aquariums have a responsibility to uphold high animal welfare standards. We draw on current scientific knowledge and technology to provide professional care and management. From exhibit design to daily operations, we ensure that the physiological, psychological, and social needs of every animal are met. We treat all animals in our care humanely and are fully committed to positive animal welfare.

Ocean Park follow the criteria below for assessing and promoting animal welfare, based on the 'Five Domains' model adopted by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) :

Five Domains
Nutrition: Appropriate consumption of nutritious foods
Environment: Benign conditions offering comfort and safety
Physical health: Good physical health securing robustness and vitality
Behaviour: Rewarding activities involving variety, choice, and benign challenge; allowing expression of behaviour
Mental or affective state: Ensuring comfort, pleasure, interest, and confidence; minimising survival-related negative experiences

To put these animal welfare models into practice, Ocean Park integrates the 'Five Domains' into every aspect of animal care:

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Nutritious and Balanced Diet

Animals at Ocean Park enjoy a diverse and nutritious diet. Our caretakers work closely with veterinarians to develop tailored nutrition plans, taking into account each species’ unique dietary requirements, as well as each invidual’s physiological changes related to growth, seasonal variations and life stages. We closely monitor the animals and adjust their diets as needed. Laboratory staff also conduct regular testing of food samples to ensure the food items are suitable for the animals.

Our caretakers prepare a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables for the Aldabra giant tortoises every day.

Adult giant pandas can consume over 10 kilograms of bamboo each day. Fresh bamboos are transported twice per week from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and are kept fresh in our back-of-house storage facilities.

Samples from each bamboo batch are regularly tested by our in-house environmental laboratory for pesticide residues.

Geriatric animals may have fluctuating appetites, like our late giant pandas Jia Jia and An An, who both reached record-breaking ages. Caretakers would prepare special meals with a softer texture using chopped bamboo leaves and sweet potato to help improve their appetite.

Giant panda cubs feed on milk. Our caretakers prepare milk using a combination of human baby formula and milk power for dogs, supporting Ying Ying in nurturing the twin cubs Jia Jia and De De.

Our caretakers regularly add vitamins or other supplements in penguin’s food according to the veterinary team’s recommendation.

We recognise the importance of exceptional animal care and uncompromised animal welfare in support of our vision and mission. In 2008, an Animal Welfare, Ethics and Care Committee was formed, comprising representatives from various divisions within Ocean Park and an external animal welfare expert. The Committee is tasked to ensure that animal care and welfare standards are maintained and considered in all decisions relating to our animals. It also aims to promote a corporate culture whereby all staff understand and support animal welfare.

References:

Mellor, D. J., Hunt, S., & Gusset, M. (2015). Caring for wildlife: The world zoo and aquarium animal welfare strategy. WAZA Executive Office.